Microsoft Exchange

Connect a Mobile Device to UVa Exchange Service

About Mobile Devices at UVa

Most mobile devices, also known as “smartphones,” can connect via the subscribed Internet Service Provider (ISP); the carrier's own cellular phone service; or (on devices with a network card) a wireless network in range.

At this time it is not possible to connect any smartphones to UVa's more secure, encrypted cavalier wireless network. But smartphones can access the unencrypted wahoo wireless network.

Tech Support for Mobile Devices

ITC provides limited technical support for smartphones. We offer only configuration documentation. For help beyond intial setup, we refer you to your cellular phone carrier and your device's vendor website.

University Contracts for Mobile Devices

The University has a contract with several different carriers for several devices at competitive prices. Call (434) 924-4106 or visit Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) for more information.

Understand the Following Costs and Policies

  • BlackBerrys use the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, or BES, which is a for-fee service (one-time license initialization and ongoing per-month license fee).
  • Other mobile devices use Active Sync, which is no-fee service.
    • The Active Sync password policy mandates that a secure password be entered into your device after fifteen (15) minutes of inactivity. You will be required to enter this password to make telephone calls, to access Exchange server information, and to access any features or information on your device. You will not be required to enter the password to receive an incoming call.
    • Devices using Active Sync may not synch all Exchange services wirelessly; some services may need to be synchronized using a cradle and HotSync®.
  • For all devices, synchronizing with the Exchange server requires time and will affect the number of minutes you use each month. Some have found that the increases to their cell service bill have been non-trivial.

Before Connecting Your Mobile Device to UVa's Exchange Service

Before you can use your mobile device with UVa's Exchange Service, you must request that ITC activate the appropriate service for your device—the for-fee BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) for a Blackberry, or the no-fee Active Sync service for other mobile devices.

Contact ITC-Microsystems@virginia.edu to request appropriate service activation for your device. Then follow the appropriate configuration instructions for your smartphone:

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